Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat many types of brain tumors. Tumors
in the brain may be either primary brain tumors or tumors which
have spread to the brain from a cancer somewhere else in the body. (brain
metastases)
Radiation Treatments for Brain Tumors
You radiation therapy will involve a series of daily (Monday-Friday) outpatient
treatments. The sessions should be painless and will take no more than 10-20
minutes each day. The total number of treatments necessary will be determined
by your physician, but may range from 10-33 treatments over 2-6 ½ weeks.
Each treatment will involve having you lie on your back on the treatment table
in the linear accelerator room. A custom-made plastic mesh mask may be used
each day to help hold you as still as possible. This mask helps to ensure the
highest precision in delivering your radiation treatments. Since it is a mesh,
you will be able to see and breathe through the mask. To deliver the radiation,
the machine will rotate to various positions around you to deliver the radiation.
You should feel nothing during each treatment.
Depending on your type of tumor and other factors, your radiation oncology
physician may plan to use Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
(IMRT) for your treatments. Your physician may also recommend having
the radiation treatments combined with chemotherapy, depending on your type
of tumor and other factors.
Many patients receiving radiation treatments for brain tumors have been prescribed
a medication called Decadron, or Dexamethasone to help reduce any swelling
or irritation in the brain. You should continue to take this as prescribed.
Sudden discontinuation of this medication can cause significant problems. As
your treatments progress, your radiation oncology physician will likely instruct
you to slowly taper the dose of the Decadron as your condition permits.
Some brain tumor patients may have also been prescribed a medication to prevent
possible seizures. Examples of this include Dilantin (Phenytoin), Phenobarbital
and Klonopin. Continue these medications as prescribed. If have any concerns
about your medications or possible side effects, please discuss these with
your nurse or physician.
Possible Side Effects
Other than fatigue, side effects from radiation therapy are limited to the
area that is receiving treatment. These symptoms are temporary and should
resolve within four weeks of completing your treatments. They usually develop
gradually
as the treatments progress, peaking at the end of the course of treatment.
Many of these possible side effects may not apply to you, depending on
your type of cancer, the area being treated, and the radiation technique.
During
your treatments, you should not experience any change in personality or
mental capacity as a result of the radiation. Speak with your physician
or nurse
if you have any questions.
- Hair loss in the treatment area (may be temporary or permanent)
- Dryness, itching, and redness of the scalp
Special Instructions
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take shampoo your hair. Use a gentle
shampoo such as baby shampoo to help minimize any additional scalp
irritation. You may use an unscented mild non-drying soap, such as unscented
Dove
on the skin areas which are being treated. You may gently pat (not
rub) the
skin dry
with a towel.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure to the skin.
- If you develop skin itching or irritation, your radiation oncology
nurse or physician can recommend what to use. Please do not apply
any lotions,
creams, or oils without discussing it first with your nurse or
physician.
- Continue using your normal medications your other physicians
have prescribed.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatments or your
symptoms, please discuss them with your radiation oncology nurse or physician.
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